Neighbors and friends had told us about the Prince George’s County Splash Pool in Chillum several times over the past few winters, but we never had the chance to visit until December. Now we’ll make it a point to hit this water park a few times before summer arrives. I’ve heard it gets very crowded on days that the county schools are closed—and for good reason. With water temperatures at a balmy 80 degrees, this clean and well-run county facility offers water slides and splash pools for kids of all ages. Our five-year-old first visited for a birthday party, and our two-year-old could have stayed for hours. Our neighbors take their 8- and 11-year-old boys regularly to burn off energy.

Open swim is from noon to 5 on weekends and noon to 5:45 on days when county schools are closed. Admission is $4 for county residents age 17 and under, $5 for non-county residents age 17 and under. Adult admission is $5 for county residents and $6 for non-residents. Parking is free and easy. The water park’s location makes it easily accessible for parents anywhere in Washington, especially those living closer to Capitol Hill and anyone in eastern Montgomery County. If you’re interested in swim lessons, be sure to check out Chillum’s Web site for details on pricing. We haven’t taken county swimming classes just yet, but my girls have taken many Montgomery County classes, and we’ve always been pleased with both the caliber of the instructors and the quality of the facilities and instructors.